Dr Stephen Parnell

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

I am a plant disease epidemiologist and modeller based at the Warwick Crop Centre and Zeeman Institute for infectious disease epidemiology.

Epidemics of plant destroying pests and diseases are on the rise due to the ever-increasing movement of people and plants around the planet. These pests and diseases can destroy plants in natural environments, such as forests, or in agricultural crops, impacting our ability to produce food.

We develop mathematical and computer models of how these pests and diseases spread through plant populations and use the models to test out strategies to detect and control them.

Scientific Inspiration

Edward O. Wilson has always inspired me for the way he combined a love of biodiversity with a deep understanding of how science connects to society. His idea of consilience, that knowledge across disciplines is fundamentally connected, captures why interdisciplinary thinking feels essential to doing research that truly makes an impact. I admire how he stayed curious, thoughtful, and grounded, showing that good science isn’t just about data, but about caring for the world we’re trying to understand.

Research Groups

Plant & Agricultural Biosciences

The Zeeman Institute: SBIDER

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, outcome-orientated, organised.

Provision of Training

I encourage students to take initiative in shaping their training, while actively supporting them through tailored guidance and opportunities to develop the methodological and technical skills essential for their PhD.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I have high expectations of PhD students and want them to succeed, whilst prioritising mental health and reasonable work-life balance. I expect students to be proactive and take ownership of their progression, but I provide regular feedback and clear expectations to help guide their development, We review progress together and agree on next steps when challenges arise.

Communication

I arrange weekly supervisory meetings with each PhD student where you come prepared to discuss your progress from the previous week and your goals for the upcoming week. I may email or message you outside of normal working hours due to parenting commitments, but I don't expect a response outside of your office hours.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per month. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

CASE: Integrating modelling & experimental studies to strengthen fungicide resistance management

See the Industrial Collaboration PhD Studentships page to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

CASE: Integrating modelling & experimental studies to strengthen fungicide resistance management

University of Registration: University of Warwick

Non-academic partner: Dr Ariane Le Gros (Syngenta Crop Protection)

Project Outline

Fungicide resistance is a growing threat to sustainable crop protection. While theoretical models have proposed strategies to manage resistance (such as fungicide mixtures, alternations, and dose adjustments) there remains a critical gap in experimental validation. This project will integrate mathematical modelling with experimental plant pathology to test and refine resistance management strategies. Using Pyrenopeziza brassicae on Brassica napus as a model system (which has already been established at the Warwick Crop Centre by the academic supervisor), the student will conduct serial passage experiments with resistant and sensitive pathogen strains under varying fungicide regimes and host resistance backgrounds. These experiments will quantify resistance development under different control strategies. In parallel, the student will develop and refine epidemiological models to simulate resistance dynamics and predict optimal management strategies. The synergy between modelling and experimentation will allow for iterative hypothesis testing and refinement. The project will be co-supervised by experts in plant pathology and mathematical biology, and will benefit from Syngenta's expertise in fungicide development, resistance monitoring and current resistance modelling approaches. The academic supervisor also brings experience in resistance modelling from his PhD and work with Bayer Crop Science.

Application

Deadline: 27 November 2025.

To apply for a CASE studentship, please check your eligibility and complete the MIBTP application process.

Please ensure that you:

Apply directly to the University of Warwick
Clearly state you are applying for a CASE project and stipulate the project title
Please also complete the online ED&I formLink opens in a new window